Hear me, O Lord,
Incline Your ear to the voice of one who loves You.
I come not as a merchant seeking gifts,
But as a bride longing for the face of her Beloved.
I stand before You, naked of excuse and full of need,
For You alone can satisfy the request of my soul.
If I have found favor in Your sight,
Grant me this one thing:
Teach me to love You.
Teach me to love You with all my strength,
With all my breath,
With all that I am and all I will ever be.
Let Your love consume me
Until sin finds no home in me,
Until my former ways lose their voice.
In a generation that cries for silver and gold,
I ask for a greater treasure:
That I may love You more,
And that I may be loved by You.
For wisdom has taught me this
A true lover does not wound the one he loves.
From the frailty of my humanity You have instructed me:
That love is proved by sacrifice.
So I lay my desires on the altar,
I surrender my will,
I yield my pursuits,
That I may seek You alone.
Like a son before his father,
I long not only to speak, but to hear.
I know this path is narrow and uncommon,
For I ask what few dare to ask.
Yet grant me grace, O Lord,
That I may be the apple of Your eye.
Grant me grace to hear Your voice,
And to answer when You call.
Though my love is imperfect and unrefined,
Do not cast me away,
But teach me how to love You rightly.
Teach me to love You without condition,
Without restraint,
Without divided affection.
Let my love rise beyond my failing lips,
And dwell in spirit and in truth.
Search me, O God, and make me wise.
Establish my heart in Your fear and in Your love,
For better is one day near You
Than a lifetime far from Your presence.
